way as an adversary against him. How foolish of this man to seek for riches and not for righteous ness. Jude describes him rightly in the New Testament (vs. 11). Balaam is a classic example of deliberate sin, disobedience and rebellion. Neither works nor worship will substitute for keeping God's com mandments (John 14:15-24). Ba laam's decision to disobey God is further described by Peter (II Peter 2:16). The mind can become so dom inated by the love of money that the thought processes finally be come unbalanced. Our materialistic age is replete with similar examples. So many are driven by pursuits for money, position and prestige. Mon ey, property and personal posses sions are not evil in themselves. Our attitudes toward them, how ever, certainly can be. God's people, Israel, are "the apple" of His own eye. He has not changed His attitude toward them. Balaam was determined to curse Israel, but God said, "You will not do it!" The angel of the Lord stood in the way so that the donkey could not move forward. This was one of the revelations of God in angelic form, revealed in the Old Testa ment. The angel of the Lord was God as revealed in (Exodus 3:2-6). Actually, three times Balaam's don key saved his master's life. First, it went aside in the field; second, it thrust itself against the wall of the vineyard so that Balaam's foot was crushed. Finally, it fell down under the prophet who was not aware of what had caused his animal's strange behaviour. He became in furiated with his beast of burden (vs. 23). Impulsively he beat the donkey three times. He was not a
ation and enchantment grew in worth and stature (vs. 15-17). In fact, the foolish prophet could "write his own ticket." The answer came as more of a testimony. "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold I cannot go be yond the word of the Lord my God to do less or even more" (vs. 18). Like Peter in subsequent years, he claimed the greatest degree of de votion just before falling into sin. Balaam then went to the Lord the second time, but still with the same request. He already knew it was contrary to God's command. Such selfish prayers are condemned (Joshua 4:3). He was certainly ask ing amiss for his own selfish goals. Balaam's heart wavered between obedience to God and a strong love for gold and silver. Whom would he serve, God or mammon? He desperately wanted to follow Bal- ak's desires. You know, when a man is determined to have his own way God may no longer hinder him. Only tragedy can be the re sult. Yes, Balaam is a perfect por trait of the modern man who loves money, crucifying his own con science to achieve his selfish goals! Israel had come into the prom ised land under the leadership of Joshua. God was blessing His own people as they kept His command ments. The heathen nations about them were understandably afraid. Balak, king of the Moabites, wanted Israel cursed. He tried to employ Balaam for the job. When Balaam sought the Lord's permission the second time in such a foolish move, he was permitted to go, but was not allowed to speak against Israel. We learn that God's anger was kindled because he went (vs. 22). The angel of the Lord stood in the
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